(The Center Square) – Fifty-nine positions were eliminated and 131 realigned after the University of North Carolina System changed a diversity policy that ensures “equality of all persons and viewpoints.”
In a report announced prior to the UNC System Board of Governors meeting on Thursday, the 24-member panel has learned total reported savings are $17.1 million and total redirected savings are $16.2 million.
Dismantled was the 2019 policy language to “foster an inclusive environment.” Compliance by the 17-campus network was required by Sept. 1. According to the report , all the campuses had programmatic changes.
The board approved the policy changes 22-2 in May.
UNC Chapel Hill had 20 positions eliminated and 27 realigned. Total redirected savings were more than $5.3 million.
The most realigned positions (29) were at N.C. State. Eight were eliminated. Total savings eclipsed $4.9 million.
Saving more than $1 million each were East Carolina (nearly $1.6 million), UNC Wilmington ($1.4 million), Appalachian State ($1.1 million) and UNC Charlotte ($1 million). Appalachian’s total included $793,768 in unspent savings; it had six positions eliminated and six realigned.